UMBILICAL PLASMA ERYTHROPOIETIN CORRELATIONS WITH BLOOD-GASES AND GESTATIONAL-AGE IN APPROPRIATELY GROWN INFANTS

Erythropoietin (EPO) levels were measured using an ELISA method in umb ilical cord plasma from 68 appropriately grown neonates at 27 to 43 we eks of gestation (EGA). A consistent but small (5%) difference was fou nd between the EPO levels in the umbilical artery (Ua), 21.0 +/- 2.5 m lU/mL (mean +/- SEM), and umbilical vein (Uv), 22.0 +/- 2.7 mlU/mL (p< 0.02, n=30). Significant inverse correlations were found between Ua EP O levels and pO(2) (r=-0.44, p<0.002), pH (r=-0.68, p<0.0001), as well as base deficit (r=-0.56, p<0.0001). A significant correlation was fo und between ECA and Ua EPO from 27 to 43 weeks of gestation (r=0.45, p <0.001, n= 68). One and 5 minute Apgar scores did not correlate with E PO. These findings indicate that EPO correlates strongly with cord gas parameters and thus ma): serve as a clinically useful marker for both subacute fetal distress and chronic uteroplacental insufficiency.